Geothermal Energy

The Navajo Nation, an indigenous group in New Mexico, could soon see the development of a geothermal greenhouse. In partnership with Colorado University it is hoped that the project could utilise a geothermal resources from a a coal mine bought by the Navajo Nation from international coal company BHP in late 2012.

At the Pagosa Area Geothermal Water and Power Authority (PAGWAPA) meeting Monday night, after the routine progress report on Pagosa Verde’s drilling operation, a rather heated debate broke out over the county’s stance that it would not release its share of the bridge funding without a promissory note and guarantee.

At their December meeting the Pagosa Area Geothermal Water and Power Authority (PAGWPA) formally accepted a grant for nearly $2 million from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). According to the grant agreement, DOLA will give PAGWPA $1,986,000 from the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund “to confirm the presence of geothermal resources whereby such geothermal resources can be developed as a possible power source for the area.” The purpose of the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program is to help political subdivisions that are socially or economically affected by the oil and gas industry.

Nobody doubts that the Colorado town of Pagosa Springs has hot water. It bubbles to the surface at around 140 degrees and in quantities sufficient to sustain a large commercial spa and several more public pools along the San Juan River.

Geothermal energy developers plan to pump 24 million gallons of water into the side of a dormant volcano in Central Oregon this summer to demonstrate new technology they hope will give a boost to a green energy sector that has yet to live up to its promise.

For the first time in the state, the BLM was scheduled this month to offer to sell lease rights to develop geothermal energy. However, the agency has decided to postpone the action until its next quarterly oil and gas lease sale in February.

Fort Collins residents and businesses are paying for a $31 million renovation at the city's oldest wastewater treatment plant near Old Town, with the work intended to reduce odors and ultimately produce cl

For the first time in more than 25 years, the city of Ouray is exploring the possibility of harnessing power from its geothermal hot springs. Fossil fuels burning in furnaces on Main Street could be replaced with the clean energy stored in Ouray’s deep natural furnaces, say proponents of geothermal energy.